Bars Extend Hours And Profits

Bar-owners in the District are reveling in extended hours for the World Cup. They're hoping to ride an increase in sales throughout the entire tournament.

Aaron McGovern owns the Biergarten Haus in Northeast Washington and says the $350 he paid to open at 7:30 in the morning was a safe investment.

The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, or ABRA, is allowing 74 businesses to open earlier than normal for the month-long tournament. The bar industry pushed D.C. government to bless the extended hours.

You still have to wait until eight to buy a drink. That doesn't deter McGovern's patrons.

"Friday we actually had about 90 people outside by 8 in the morning. And by 2 p.m. he had 200 people outside. It was absolutely amazing," says McGovern.

McGovern says normally he'd open the bar at 5 p.m. He'll continue to open at 7 a.m. and says now he hopes people don't lose interest.

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